Baltimore police honor retiree who received Congressional Gold Medal

Sgt. James Dixon a former member of Montford Marines

A 33-year veteran of the Baltimore City Police Department brought home the highest civilian honor that can be awarded to an individual -- the Congressional Gold Medal.

Sgt. James Dixon was a member of the Montford Marines, the first African-Americans in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Between 1942 and 1949, about 20,000 black Marines were trained at Montford Point, N.C. In June, they were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.

On Tuesday, Dixon, who is now retired, was one of those honored. He brought his medal to the Baltimore City Police Department.

"I wanted to say thank you for all you've done for the city of Baltimore and the United States of America," BCPD Acting Commissioner Anthony Barksdale said.

Dixon's friends and fellow officers were also there to say thank you.

"I really just love the guy. He was so intelligent, told great stories. He was just a tremendous police officer, a tremendous sergeant. Everybody loved him," retired BCPD Sgt. Alan Yeater said.

"Sgt. Dixon was like a father-figure to us. It was a home away from home at the Western Police Boys Club," friend Terry Hall said.

"He just treated everybody so well. He made you want to come to work. He didn't want to leave. He hated to take a day off," said retired BCPD Lt. Fred Roussey said. "He was just a terrific supervisor, a terrific man."

Dixon served with the BCPD from 1954 to 1987, and he's seen a lot of changes over the years.

"It's been an honor being in the Corps. It's been an honor being in the Police Department. I did 33 years in this Police Department. Trials and tribulations we've been through, but we've succeeded, and I see the results of our work," Dixon said.

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